Camp Campbell Gard

Camp Campbell Gard is a YMCA camp located on 600 acres (2.4 km²) along the Great Miami River six miles (10 km) northeast of Hamilton, Ohio. The camp is on Augspurger Road in St. Clair Township.

Founding

The camp was dedicated to the memory of a World War I airman, Campbell Gard, by his father Homer Gard in 1927, six years after the Campbell's death. The dedication on Friday, July 1, 1927 featuring remarks by former Ohio governors, James M. Cox and Charles P. Taft II, son of William Howard Taft.

When it opened in 1927, the new camp had 20 buildings, including a 20-foot (6.1 m) by 80-foot (24 m) dining hall with electric stoves and refrigeration; five cabins (quickly expanded to ten), each housing 11 campers and a leader; a recreational building "for rainy days"; an informal playground for games; and a guest house "equipped with hot and cold shower baths." As specified by Homer Gard, the camp also featured facilities for “crippled children” to make the facility accessible to the handicapped. Today the camp has expanded to 600 acres (2.4 km²) and features heating and air conditioning.

Noted Counselors and Directors

Steven Ittel and Rickie Briegel in front of the totem pole that Robert McClosky carved while he was a counselor at Camp Gard.

Robert McCloskey, who carved the camp totem pole was a famous author of children's book including Make Way for Ducklings and Lentil.

David P. Smith and his brother Tony Smith are Camp Campbell Gard Alum. David P. Smith's name still is proudly displayed on Errol's Archer's #11. Plaque is still displayed today.